Propane Council Ramps Up Engine Development Projects

WASHINGTON (July 20, 2012) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), meeting last week in Napa, Calif., approved several research and development programs focused on building and testing engines that use domestically produced propane to meet the nation’s energy needs.

One is an investigation of spark-ignition direct-injection engines with the Southwest Research Institute, Livernois Vehicle Engineering, and the Millbrook Proving Ground Limited, a General Motors subsidiary. The project will evaluate both Ford and GM direct injection engines for suitability with propane for potential on-road and off-road use.

Another project, with Certification Services International, is designed to develop a 6-liter heavy-duty engine for on-road use and for off-road applications in agriculture, power generation, natural gas drilling, paving, and railroad use. The propane-fueled engine would offer fuel cost savings and lower emissions compared with engines that use traditional fuels.

“Developing engine technology is at the core of PERC’s efforts to build the market for propane,” PERC President and CEO Roy Willis said. “And because propane is clean-burning and price competitive with traditional fuels, it is an excellent source of power for promising engine projects.”

In other Council business last week, the Council authorized publication of a proposed 2013 budget of $36 million that will commit $20.3 million to programs, with 53 percent devoted to research and development, 29 percent to training, and 18 percent to safety programs. The 2013 assessment rate of four-tenths of a cent per gallon is expected to generate revenues of more than $33 million. The proposed budget will be posted for industry and public comment before August 1, as required by statute.